Post work activity began with a venture out into the broiler outside, and a visit to Dr. Pain on Kimberly Rd. to exchange new aches for old. It was 98 deg on a bank thermometer, and hardly a cloud in the sky.
Fresh pains installed, across the Mississippi on twin suspension bridges called 'functionally obsolete' by DOT engineers concerned with such matters. Clouds in the distant west, but still mirrors of heat waves rising from the stop and go traffic. Carbon atoms must be spent to benefit fitness.
A few warm up laps, followed by a stern warning about heat by the elder runners. Drink, hydrate, then hydrate and drink. Followed by further drinking. Water only. Clouds continue to rise to the west of the Augie track, bringing a welcome breeze.
400 m repeats with lots of rest between. Russ does not wish runners brought home on their shields tonight.
On lap eight, I swallowed a bug. It tasted bitter. Yuck. Someone had just said 'good form' or 'keep it up', so I figured a few more. The wind is starting to pickup, and you can feel the temperature drop.
At lap nine, I concentrate on form and pace, following a pack and getting splashed by sweat. Finished, tired, one more lap down. Looking for water and I look to the west. Ominous clouds, hazy. Rains?
Wind starts to blow hard. Hearing a crack, the Augie scoreboard falls onto the track, missing the runners ahead and behind. Suddenly, the ladies bathroom under the stands - blessed concrete construction - seems a good place.
Out we come, moments later, dazed runners loooking for their gear. Blown against the east fence, some bottles are found.
The coolness in the air. Time to head for home. Excitement and danger averted.
-Larry
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